New Destinations
You are invited to feel the fresh clean air and green environment of the land while touching the hearts of the simple people who are the most hospitable. Magical, Mystical, Glittering Myanmar, Adventure, Inspiration, Great natural beauty combines magnificent temple architecture. Traditionally, Myanmar tourism is based on culture. There are snow-capped mountains, deep forests, cool & scenic places, long rivers, beautiful lakes, unspoiled beaches & archipelagoes. The different national races & their way of life, traditional arts & crafts offer the warm hospitality of Myanmar people.
Should tourist visit Unspoiled Destinations
Almost without exception, visitors to Myanmar have reported that their visit was very much worthwhile, that they felt they had learnt a lot, and that they had something to talk about when they returned home. Come and see for yourself all the legendary beauty and splendor of Myanmar.
Famous Ancient Cities
Myitkyina
 Myanmar’s Kachin State in the Eastern Himalayas remains one of the least visited wilderness areas on earth, offering unique opportunities for true frontier exploration. It has only recently become possible to obtain permission to visit many areas of this little known destination. Now for the very first time, we offers exclusive rafting and trekking journeys into this tribal land of dense forests and snow-capped mountains, which to this day remains completely cut off from the modern world.
With little in the way of roads or development the Northern Myanmar ecosystem remains incredibly intact and is internationally recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. Climax old growth forest is common, supporting a huge range of animal and bird life while in the high alpine meadows many of Asia’s rarest flowers thrive. This is a place of pristine beauty, exotic cultures and some of the most radical topography on earth. Travelling in Kachin State is full of simple delights and opportunities that can no longer be found elsewhere, providing timeless and unpretentious experiences.
From our luxurious base at Malikha Lodge in Putao, we provide a whole range of adventures from shorter half-day excursions to month-long hardcore expeditions. With the highest attention to operational safety, equipment and service, visitors can rest assured that they are in the best of hands. Our holidays are all about adventure, excitement, and a journey through the natural beauty and cultural diversity of some of the planet’s last remote areas.
 We are the pioneers of river descents in Myanmar and our staff have decades of leading edge rafting and kayaking experience worldwide. Based on our exploratory first descents we are initially offering two very different river trips. One standard river trip will be an exclusive three-day wilderness journey on the pristine western headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy. By contrast, the Mayhka River is the most extreme multi-day river expedition offered on the planet. This is our “Everest of Rivers” and the expedition in early 2006 will be the first commercial raft descent.
Frequently asked Questions
1. How long is an average trekking day?
All our treks are designed to include a total of 5 – 6 walking hours per day. Clients are normally woken at about 7am with a hot drink before breakfast, and we are normally underway before 9am. A leisurely lunch is taken at about midday, followed by 2 – 3 hours more trekking in the afternoon, reaching our camp well before nightfall in time for drinks and pre dinner snacks.
2. What will I see on the trek?
The eastern Himalayas are heavily forested, and large parts of the day will be spent under the towering canopy of ancient rainforest and temperate cloud forest, or following cascading mountain streams. At other times there will be views of snowcapped mountains as we enter open areas of village habitation. There will be plenty of bird life, butterflies and other exotic flora on offer, as well as occasional troops of monkeys, and the noise of larger but harmless animals in the undergrowth.
3. How fit do you have to be?
All our expeditions are graded and we have itineraries suitable for anyone who leads a moderately healthy lifestyle back home and is reasonably fit. One or two of our longer expeditions are classified as difficult, and include longer trekking days at higher altitudes above 6000 feet. These are most suitable for our most adventurous and stronger clients, who are used to leading an active and sporty lifestyle. However, none of our expeditions require technical mountaineering skills or previous experience.
4. How are the treks graded?
Easy - suitable for most people in good health as these treks include only a short element of trekking which is always on good paths and predominantly at low altitudes.
Moderate - suitable for most hill-walkers as they involve relatively short days, on paths and trails. A reasonable level of fitness is required as these trips involve an amount of ascent and descent and the occasional challenging day.
Demanding - physically challenging and more suited to regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days and who are competent over difficult terrain. These treks may also include periods at higher altitude.
5. What about meal times?
Our experienced staff will take care of all catering on your expedition, although clients are always welcome to assist if they wish to. Menu plans have been designed for each trip, and clients with special dietary requirements will have had the opportunity to advise us at the time of booking. Lunches are simple but healthy, whereas dinners are more extensive featuring pre dinner snacks and deserts. On our rafting expeditions, a limited selection of wines and spirits will be complimentary.
6. Where do we sleep?
Two clients will share our spacious expedition tents, unless they have paid the single person supplement. All our tents are screened, although we very rarely encounter any mosquitoes during the cool trekking season. At our semi permanent Nam Lang River camp, which we use for rafting and on some of our treks, we sleep in larger safari tents on wooden platforms.
7. What facilities are at the campsites?
Our expeditions take us into remote wilderness areas, so facilities will of course be limited. Our river camp on the Nam Lang River will have a jungle shower with running hot water, as well as western toilets and a sheltered dinning area and seating. In more remote areas, we will dine under the stars, or the canopy of the rainforest, or sometimes in local village houses where appropriate. Here our guides will be able to provide a limited supply of hot water on request for washing.
8. What equipment or clothing can I buy in Putao?
Putao has a limited morning market, where you can buy cheap woolen hats and fleeces imported from China. From our base at The Lisu, we also have a limited supply of more specialized clothing and equipment manufactured in Nepal for the trekking industry. Please enquire with us for specific items
9. What will the temperature be like?
Daytime temperatures will range from 20 to 25 degrees centigrade, although much of the trek will be in the cool shade of the forest. Nighttime temperatures will be cold but never freezing, ranging from 5 – 10 degrees centigrade around Christmas time to a very comfortable15 degrees centigrade in October and April. A 3-season sleeping bag is recommended.
10. What about insects?
Clients are advised to wear lightweight long sleeve cotton and lightweight waterproof trousers while trekking (See recommended equipment list) For the most part the jungles are free of biting insects, but we do encounter sand flies on and around the rivers during the day time only. For our rafting trips only we advise that you wear waterproof gloves and boots at all times during the day. After sundown, and in the early morning the sand flies disappear.
11. What about altitude?
Almost all of our treks take place at moderate altitudes between 2000 to 5000 feet above sea level. The Phon kan razi trek, one of our most strenuous expeditions, is the only trek to cross the cool season snowline of approx 8000 - 9000 feet, climbing to an altitude of 11,000 feet on the border with India. Altitude sickness very rarely occurs below 12,000 feet.
12. What about guides?
An English-speaking guide, who will also be able to speak the various local hill tribe languages, will accompany all expeditions. Upon request we will also be able to arrange German, French, Italian Spanish and Japanese speaking guides for a small extra supplement.
13. What about First aid?
All our guides are qualified in wilderness first aid, and we will carry a very comprehensive medical first aid kit. It will be compulsory for all clients to have taken out prior medical insurance including emergency air evacuation if required. All our treks will carry an emergency satellite phone.
14. Is the rafting suitable for beginners?
Our Nam Lang river trip is graded at 3 – 4, and is therefore suitable for clients with no previous rafting experience. All clients will receive basic instruction at the beginning of the journey, and each raft will be guided by an experienced expatriate commercial river guide, with a minimum of 5 years experience.
15. Will I be cold when we are rafting?
Rafting is an activity sport, and clients are normally kept warm through exercise. We will provide full wetsuits if required during the coldest months to protect against the cold and potential heat loss, or poly prop undergarments and spay jackets for the warmer months. Water temperatures range from 12 to 16 degrees centigrade.
16. What happens if I fall in?
Clients do occasionally fall into the water, but will have been thoroughly briefed on what to do in such an event. All clients will wear approved life jackets and protective head gear in case they fall into the water. Clients who are anxious will be able to walk around the larger rapids if they wish.
17. What about insurance?
Clients will be requested to take out their own personal travel insurance, which must cover adventure activities and include emergency evacuation as a pre condition of booking. Full contact details of the insurance policy will need to be carried with the expedition. In addition, we will also ask clients to sign a waiver form, which will recognize the client’s voluntary participation in an adventure activity, which carries a certain amount of inherent risk. Click here to see our Client waiver form.
18. What do I need to bring for the rafting trip?
Please refer to the document “Rafting and trekking items to bring” for our suggested list of personal items to bring for rafting
19. What do I need to bring for trekking?
Please refer to the document “Rafting and trekking items to bring” for our suggested list of personal items to bring for trekking
20. What equipment / clothing will be provided by AX for a rafting or trekking trip?
Please refer to the document “Rafting and trekking items to bring” for a comprehensive list of items and equipment that AX will provide.
21. What else is included in the price?
Your trip will include all the elements of the expedition included in our brochure and trip itineraries as well as the AX equipment list included above. It will include all necessary permits, licenses and park fees. It will also include airport transfers and all land transfers in and around Putao, all prepared meals, tea, coffee and snacks on your journey.
Perhaps the most important thing we provide is 25 years experience running professional expeditions in the Himalayas and worldwide.
22. What is NOT included in the price?
Any kind of insurance, expenses of a personal nature or any personal equipment listed above.
Personal Items to bring for Rafting and Trekking
Since all our rafting expeditions include at least one trekking day, clients will also need to bring items as prescribed on our trekking list.
As a general rule when packing for one of our wilderness expeditions please keep personal gear to a minimum. Clothing should be lightweight, dry quickly, and provide insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibers are preferable to cotton on the river for this reason. For any other personal items not included on our detailed equipment list below, please feel free to contact us directly.
1. For camping and travelling:
A sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be at least a three-season bag, either down or synthetic filled. If you do not have a sleeping bag we do have them for hire or purchase. A Therma-rest (inflatable sleeping mattress) is provided by we for your comfort.
Lightweight pants and jacket. The brushed nylon pants and windbreakers made by a variety of companies are ideal for trekking and general travel wear.
Long sleeved thermal, top and bottoms (long underwear). These are synthetic clothing such as Patagonia Capaline which maintain their insulating value even when wet, and are therefore ideal for wearing around the campsite and on the river. The zippered turtleneck is particularly handy, as it can be vented and keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Light and medium weight weaves are the handiest.
Socks: Two pairs of polypropylene or polypro mix athletic socks.
Cotton underwear.
Lightweight long sleeved shirt. These are particularly useful as sunscreen in camp. In addition temperatures in the shade remain cool throughout the season
Two cotton T-shirts.
A fleece jacket. Polypropylene is preferable.
A Gore-Tex or similar material raincoat and pants. This will keep you warm and dry in a variety of situations. A simple shell design is preferable, as they can be packed away into very small bundles.
Small Towel
Toiletries: keep it to a minimum. Bring plenty of moisturizing lotion.
Spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
Water bottle
Toilet paper and lighter –We do provide it on all trips, but also advise you carry your own supply for convenience. The lighter is for burning the toilet paper after you’ve used it.
Insect Repellent: Our Nam Lang river camp has screened areas where insects are not a problem, but while trekking and rafting in the jungle bring plenty of insect repellent.
Lightweight cotton gloves are also handy as additional insect protection.
2. River Wear:
River sandals or wet suit booties are the preferred footwear on the river. Tevas, Alps, or other high quality river sandals or booties should be brought from home. It is essential that all rafters have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. One of the best options is simple wetsuit booties used for diving or windsurfing. These also offer additional protection from insect bites.
River shorts Good quality, such as Patagonia Baggies or Guide Shorts. These are by far the best all around river wear, as they are durable, dry quickly, and provide the pockets you will need for little items you’ll want to keep close. Two pairs are enough.
Swimming costume – (or you can just get by with river shorts).
A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in Myanmar. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local custom for dress. It can also be used to replace your towel for drying after washing.
A baseball style cap and good sunglasses equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential
Lip Balm, SPF 15 minimum
3. Trekking:
A daypack. It should be a medium volume daypack without a frame, and again, the most important criteria are how well it fits and works.
Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes of good quality and preferably worn in are a must. For people who do not routinely walk in the mountains, light hiking boots are strongly recommended. Heavy mountaineering boots are not recommended.
For longer treks and Higher Altitude treks waterproof pants, gaiters, additional socks and thermal hats and gloves are highly recommended.
4. Optional:
Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy. There will be waterproof Pelican Cases supplied on the rafting trips. Packets of silica gel will help reduce humidity in the camera case.
Small binoculars for wildlife viewing. If you’re an avid bird watcher you may want to bring a more substantial pair of binoculars with a waterproof case.
Pocketknife or multi-tool.
Fishing equipment.
Reading and writing material.
Personal first aid kit.
Personal linen, pillow case or under sheet
5. Provided by us:
We will provide the following equipment for all clients on our rafting and trekking expeditions:
All safety and trek / river gear (except clothing and personal items – see personal equipment above) On river trips we provide lifejackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet suits when required, dry bags, camera barrels, satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kits.
Tented accommodation while on your trip.
Mattresses or thermo-rests to sleep on
Cooking equipment including all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, plates and glassware
Directors Chairs – comfortable chairs, ideal around the campfire, which are made of canvas and fold away
THE LAST VILLAGE TREK
 The village of Dahong Dam, the most northerly village in South East Asia, sits in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hkakaborazi, which at just under 20,000 feet is South East Asia’s highest mountain. This area is now immortalised by Conservationist Alan Rabinowitz’s classic book “Beyond the Last Village” To this day, only a handful of outsiders have been privileged enough to follow in his footsteps.
Our isolated three week trek follows the climbing approach route through Hkakaborazi National Park along the Tamai river valley then high up the Adung River, the very source of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. This extensive journey takes us through what is considered by many to be the most spectacular intact forest wilderness of it’s kind in Asia. Along our route we encounter Rawang and Lisu hill tribes at lower elevations then as we climb higher the Drung, Daru, Nung and Tibetans.
Apart from the opportunity to observe the fast vanishing life of the tribal people who live in this area there is also a wealth of mammals and bird species which can be found including Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Takin, leaf deer and Red Goral. 180 bird species, and 369 species of butterfly as well as numerous rare orchids have been observed and documented so far.
We offer one fixed departure a year in early December or January, when the weather is clearest and the cool temperatures are ideal for trekking. On this trek the group size is limited to a maximum of 12 clients to ensure that our impact remains minimal. Participants of this trek need to be fit and prepared for lengthy but rewarding days of mountain trekking in wilderness areas.
| Difficulty : |
Demanding |
| From: |
Ratbo |
| Trek Distance: |
276 Km |
| No of Days: |
25 : Trek 19, Yangon / Putao 6 |
| Best Season: |
Dec, Jan |
| Group size: |
Min 4 pax, Max 12 pax |
|
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Yangon
Day 2 - Arrive in Putao
Day 3 - Drive to Ratbo
Day 4 - Trek 7 miles to Langsahtu (alt. approx 2500 ft) and onto Gawle (alt. approx 3100 ft)
Day 5 - Trek 9 miles to Shingsang Hku (alt. approx 3700 ft)
Day 6 - Trek 7 miles to Pangnamdim (alt. approx 3070 ft)
Day 7 - Trek 7 miles to Lungnat Camp (alt. approx 3450 ft)
Day 8 - Trek 7 miles to Lungnat Camp (alt. approx 3450 ft)
Day 9 - Trek 8 miles to Wangsiwang (alt approx 3600 ft)
Day 10 - Trek 8 miles further upstream to Gawai (alt approx 3750 ft)
Day 11 - Trek 10 miles to Dazung Dam (alt approx 4050 ft)
Day 12 - Trek 9 miles to Htala Htu (alt approx 4800 ft)
Day 13 - Trek 8 miles to Dahong Dam (alt approx 6000 ft)
Day 14 - Rest and relax at Dahong Dam
Day 15 - Trek 10 miles to Dashuhtu
Day 16 - Trek 7 miles to Dazung Dam
Day 17 - Trek 10 miles to Gawai
Day 18 - Trek 16 miles to Ngawa
Day 19 - Trek 15 miles to Pangnamdim
Day 20 - Trek 16 miles to Gawle
Day 21 - Trek 18 miles to Ratbo
Day 22 - Drive to Putao
Day 23 - Fly to Yangon
Day 24 - Day in Yangon
Day 25 - Depart Myanmar |
Home
In February and March of 2003 a team of kayakers and rafters including members from the Tsangpo 2002 expedition were invited into Northern Myanmar (Burma) to be the first to explore the rivers of Kachin State. These rivers are fed by the eastern-most Himalayan peaks high up near the isolated border between Myanmar, India and Tibet. The team was searching for potential commercial river trips and completed the first descent of the Mayhka River and tributaries, the Headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy, literally the lifeblood of Myanmar itself. In the process we discovered what is probably the most challenging wilderness rafting trip on the planet. This is basically the “Everest of Rivers” journeying through one of the world’s least explored areas. Difficulty: 5 - 6 From: Pangnamdin to Laughkhang Distance: 240 km (248 rapids) River Days: 16 Grade: 20 ft per mile Best Season: Dec - Jan Min. Group: 6 persons, Max 10 This is SE Asia’s last well-kept secret and at present we are the only company running rafting and kayaking trips in this absolutely enchanting destination.The Mayhka means Mother river, but the local Rawang people call it the Impossible River because the terrain is so steep and convoluted that it is difficult to farm and damn hard to get anywhere. The easier rapids on the Mayhka hold Zambezi style whitewater with some premiere play waves and holes. The harder rapids are not unlike the Yarlung Tsangpo, Biblical in size and closely resembling a toilet flushing into an industrial rototiller. The only consolation being that everything finishes in a pool, so you can actually get out there amongst it all and run meaty lines. Sheer granite walls are polished 60 feet above the river indicating the height of monsoon flows and it is intimidating to even consider being here when the river is running high. Contrary to human nature, don’t try to convince yourself that the rapids would wash out. When planning this trip we have decided to run the river in winter so we would have the lowest water flows possible and settled weather. 
The snow capped mountains that separate Myanmar’s Kachin State from Arunachal Pradesh in India provide a treasure trove of undiscovered adventures. Our trek to Mt Phonekanrazi climbs from the frontier village of Upper Sangaung over a pass into the tropical Nam Lang river valley. From here we trek along hunting trails through pristine old growth forest and isolated settlements to the base of Mt. Phonekanrazi. The climb from base camp to the summit is steep but the views from the summit west to India and east to the Putao valley in Myanmar are phenomenal. The combination of tribal villages, climax forest and snow capped mountain peaks makes this one of the most picturesque of treks.
Few people associate glaciated mountain peaks, deep gorges and unexplored rivers with Myanmar, which is thankfully one of the reasons so few modern day adventurers have traveled here. With little in the way of roads or development the Northern Myanmar ecosystem remains incredibly intact and is internationally recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. Climax old growth forest is common supporting a huge range of animal and bird life while in the high alpine meadows many of Asia’s rarest flowers thrive. This is a place of diverse customs and some of the most radical topography on earth. Traveling in Kachin state is not easy but it is full of simple delights and opportunities that cannot now be found elsewhere, providing timeless and unpretentious experiences.
Our fully supported treks are thoroughly equipped to the last detail. These wilderness treks are run in much the same style you would expect to find in places like Nepal; expert professional guides, abundant wholesome food and state of the art equipment including inflatable mattresses makes trekking a lot more enjoyable and safe. It is our international experience, attention to detail and service that sets us apart.